Q:

A:

Spectrum's classes are held at Hope Baptist Church, located at 8801 Stephens Road, Laurel, Maryland 20723.

Q:

A:

Spectrum holds classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:40 p.m. during the school year.

Q:

A:

No, Spectrum is not an accredited program.

Q:

A:

No, Spectrum does not offer homeschool oversight.

Q:

A:

Spectrum offers classes for grade 3 through grade 12.

Q:

A:

No, all classes are a la carte. Students may take as few as one class or as many as ten classes.

Q:

A:

The class groupings, "Grammar," "Dialectic," and "Rhetoric," are taken from the classical model of education (though Spectrum does not follow a classical model in its teaching). 

• Grammar Level - grades 3-6
• Dialectic Level - grades 6-9
• Rhetoric Level - grades 9-12

Spectrum specifically uses this language in its groupings so that parents can feel comfortable placing their children in the appropriate classes. A student who is actually one grade "older" may register in a class grouped for "younger" grades. For example, some of our 10th grade students take Dialectic English even though the technical dialectic grade levels are 6-9. Likewise, 7th graders sometimes opt to take Grammar Level classes that are technically slated for 3rd-6th grades. This language invites fluidity in placement given students needs. 

Q:

A:

Both 6th and 9th grades are years when we allow flexibility for parents to decide where their children would do best. If a parent feels that her child would struggle at the next level, she may keep the child at the lower level. Likewise, if a parent feels that her child would flourish with the challenge of more advanced work, she may place the child at the higher level.  Parents  may make different choices for different classes. For example, a parent may place her 9th grade student in biology at the Rhetoric level but in history at the Dialectic level. 

Q:

A:

No, Spectrum does not require uniforms. We do ask students to dress modestly and to consider others when deciding what to wear.

Q:

A:

Spectrum is a tutorial. This means that our teachers hold class once, and in some cases twice, each week to enhance the teaching parents are doing at home. Each class teacher selects the curricula, determines the pace of class, and assigns homework. Parents remain their children's primary teachers and should ensure that their children keep up with the class assignments and homework. Parents may also dismiss assignments or add assignments as they see fit, keeping the classroom teachers informed of such decisions so that teachers know what to expect from the students.  Parents are not required to fulfill any "jobs" at the tutorial; however, should parents wish to help out, there are occasional opportunities to volunteer. 

Q:

A:

No. Students should bring a packed lunch. We do offer opportunities twice a month to order pizza or something else for lunch. Such lunch days will be announced in advance.

Q:

A:

Given all the classes we are offering and our need for all the classroom space, we are not able to provide space for parents to stay in the building while their children are on site. The Savage Branch of the Howard County Library is just one mile away from Hope Baptist Church, where Spectrum meets, and provides a great place for parents and other siblings to work while Spectrum students are in class. If a parent would like to visit one his or her child's classroom, arrangements may be made with the teacher.

Q:

A:

Spectrum generally uses Tapestry of Grace as a "spine" book for selecting literature assignments. This year, most writing classes will use Institutes for Excellence in Writing for writing lesson. Please see our class descriptions for the curriculum used in the English class you are interested in. 

Q:

A:

Yes, we generally use Apologia for science at all levels. Chemistry uses a different curriculum. Please see our class descriptions for the curriculum used in the science class you are interested in. 

Q:

A:

No, students do not have to take the theatre class in order to be part of a Stagelight Productions show.

Q:

A:

Should you have any questions about registration, please contact our Registrar, Jeneane Tolley, at [email protected]